PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Off to its best start since 1986, the undefeated Towson University football team moved up to third place in the weekly FCS poll which was announced by The Sports Network.

Towson had been ranked fourth in the nation the last two weeks. The Tigers started the year as the 11th-ranked team in FCS. They moved up to fifth after a season-opening victory over Connecticut.

This is the highest national ranking at the FCS level that the Tigers have ever received.

Towson was ranked fourth behind Montana State last week. However, when Montana State lost to Stephen F. Austin, the Tigers moved ahead of the Bobcats.

Defending national champion North Dakota State (3-0) received 157 of a possible 158 first place votes to remain first in the nation. Eastern Washington (2-1) got the other first place vote and is ranked second.

The Tigers, who have won their last eight games, own the second-longest winning streak in FCS football. North Dakota State has a 12-game winning streak.

Towson is one of five Colonial Athletic Association teams ranked in the FCS Top 25. New Hampshire (1-1) is ranked 10th while James Madison (3-1) moved up to 14th in the nation. Villanova (1-2) is ranked 19th while Richmond (2-2) is the 22nd-ranked team in the nation.

Stony Brook (1-2) dropped out of the national rankings but is listed among other receiving votes. Maine (3-1), William & Mary (3-1) and Delaware (3-1) are also listed among others receiving votes.

The Tigers will be seeking their ninth consecutive victory when they open their CAA schedule with a game at Stony Brook on Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m.